Newcastle City Council defer plans to rebrand city’s taxis black and white until further discussions

Image credit: Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council (NCC) have deferred plans to rebrand the city's hackney carriages in black and white after claims that the changes would cause "huge burden" for taxi drivers licensed with the authority.

The plans require licensed taxis to fit a white wrap around their bonnets, matching the colours of Newcastle United. City council leaders argue that the new colour scheme will make it easier to recognise licensed taxis and help crack down on crime.

However, more than 40 drivers staged a demonstration outside the local authority HQ ahead of a Newcastle City Council meeting in June, calling for the idea to be dropped.

They argued that the cost of fitting the white wraps will be too high, and that it will be difficult to maintain and clean the white surfaces.

To support hackney carriage drivers with the new requirements, a grant of £100 will be available so they can get the white vinyl wrap fitted to the bonnet of their vehicle. The grant is only available to vehicles licensed with the Council on or before 19 June 2023.

However, according to Chronicle Live, a council spokesperson confirmed a delay to allow for further talks with drivers and their representatives. The council said: “It’s clear there has been some misunderstanding about the purpose of the policy and the positive impact this will have for public safety. We have held productive conversations with the GMB and these will continue. The GMB are clear they are not asking their members to object to the policy.

"Over the summer we’d like to continue that engagement with GMB and the trade to clarify the purpose of the policy. The item for discussion will be deferred until the next council meeting to allow these conversations to take place.”